Are Opportunities Equal?

common values

Arguably, everyone values diversity. Even extremist organizations have members who share their philosophy to varying degrees, but the bottom line is that human beings have a tendency to align themselves with like-minded people. In a non-profit organization, people come together to accomplish a greater good. In for-profits, this shared goal could be something as trivial as the pursuit of profit.

When you are forced to be with people you disagree with, things can get ugly. For example, a party with friends (with whom you tend to have a lot in common) will usually be a festive occasion; alternatively, a family gathering (consisting of people with whom you probably only share a bloodline) can quickly turn dysfunctional.

like-minded people

In other words, while you do not choose your family, you do choose your friends. Generally speaking, you will have more in common with friends than with family. Interestingly, you might not want to start a business with most of your friends because, despite your similarities, you might have some striking differences in philosophy.

In business, you tend to have more in common with people who sit on the same rung of the corporate ladder as you do. For example, a data entry clerk will have less in common with a senior manager of the same company than he would with a data entry clerk at another company. In this case, the peer group is the employee's level , not the company.

The key challenge for a young professional is finding a way to break through to mid- and senior-level management. In order to do this, he needs a reality check.

being on the ball

Successful managers try to hire people who are "on the ball." Although experience in the field is a major factor, what matters even more is the degree to which a candidate is aware and capable of tackling a given challenge.

So the first thing you need to measure is the extent to which you are "on the ball" or, more importantly, how "on the ball" you come across.

evolutionary, not revolutionary

During an interview, you may be asked to comment on what you would do similarly and what you would do differently if you obtained the position. While you should take this opportunity to offer a candid response, you should do so knowing that people only have a limited capacity for criticism.

To a certain extent, they will appreciate your input, but after a certain point, they will get defensive and take it as a personal attack. Therefore, say what you will, but note the potential downside: If your ideas are too revolutionary, you will be cast aside because you will be seen as someone who will try to take the ship in a different direction.